Sam Graves Statement on Bipartisan Hearing to Protect North Missourians from Overreaching Federal Agency
Sam Graves Statement on Bipartisan Hearing to Protect North Missourians from Overreaching Federal Agency
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Sam Graves released the following statement after participating in a joint hearing by the House and Senate on the impact of the Administration's proposed ‘Waters of the United States' rule to further expand federal regulations onto private property under the Clean Water Act.
"The mission of the EPA is to protect human health and the environment. Yet, time and again we see them expanding this mission and overstepping their authority," said Graves. "Ensuring that our land and water resources are properly cared for is a sensitive issue and one that is intentionally left to those who are best equipped to maintain them – the states and localities," he continued.
"By expanding this rule and adding all the bureaucratic red-tape that comes with it, the EPA will only serve to bring confusion to the situation and stunt economic growth."
For a full transcript of today's remarks click HERE
Background
Today's hearing is another in a long line of actions taken by Rep. Graves to rein in the EPA, bring accountability to the agency, and ensure that the regulations they impose do not harm small businesses, which are the backbone of our economy.
May 19, 2014: Tours Platte County Farm, Highlighting EPA's Aggressive Rulemaking
On May 19, Rep. Graves toured a local farm in Platte County to highlight the attempts by the EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers to undercut property owners through burdensome regulations.
"This land grab is an infringement on our property rights, and the consequences will be fewer jobs, more permitting, higher costs, lengthy litigation, and more delay and disruption for property owners. It's not just property rights that are at risk like we see in Parkville. Any industry that relies on land use, such as farming and home building, will fall victim to the mandates of Washington bureaucrats," – Rep. Sam Graves.
Full ReleaseHERE
May 29, 2014: Holds Hearing On EPA's Proposed Water Rule
On May 29, Rep. Graves, as chair of the Small Business Committee, conducted a hearing on the EPA water rule, which if implemented would greatly expand the EPA's jurisdiction under the clean water act, giving greater access to private property, and increasing costs on small businesses and family farmers. Mr. Graves' common sense position of withdrawing the rule received support from members of both parties.
"Administrator McCarthy and the EPA will soon find out that Washington bureaucrats are becoming far too aggressive in attacking our way of life. My legislation will give the American people a voice in the regulator's room when the President and the EPA try and go around Congress." – Rep. Sam Graves
Full Release HERE
July 9, 2014: Introduces the Stop the EPA Act
On July 9, Rep. Graves introduced the Stop the EPA Act, to give the people's duly elected representatives a say in EPA rulemaking. "We do not want unelected bureaucrats making our laws. Stop the EPA Act gives Congress a say in EPA regulations by requiring an up or down vote on any regulation that has an economic impact over $50 million. Statutory authority is needed for major regulations that have the effect of law." – Rep. Sam Graves
Full Release HERE
September 9, 2014: Votes in favor of House passed H.R. 5078 the Waters of the United States Regulatory Overreach Protection Act
This legislation prohibits the Secretary of the Army and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from developing, finalizing, adopting, implementing, applying, administering, or enforcing expanded regulations.
Full Release HERE
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